We are only a few weeks away from harvest, and the summer of 2022 has already started with a twist in our area of Alaska.

This unusual year began in May when we saw above-average temperatures and below-average humidity. This continued into June, wherein we continued with the heat wave and a five-week drought.

This has led to several unique situations this year.

First, we are likely two weeks ahead in flower production. Although we have cooled down for the last week and finally received a healthy bought of rain, temperatures are predicted to hike back by the end of this week, so we are predicting an early harvest.

We have had weather like this before. 2019 saw a prolonged heat wave and drought, although that year began with a cold spring and cool start to June before hiking up for the remaining summer.

It’s been the opposite in 2022, wherein we started hot and dry before entering a cool-off period. We were early in 2019. We are even earlier in 2022.

Another side-effect of this unique weather pattern is the lack of foliage moisture on the peonies. We have not had to use our sustainable fungicide to keep botrytis down.

We gambled here since botrytis can develop and spread even in a dry environment. However, based on scouting and emanations, the number of botrytis cases, even without spraying, has remained extremely low.

Third, we are actually seeing larger buds and stems this year. Although atmospheric water has remained low, we have irrigated nearly daily since May 15th, which has resulted in extremely tall stems and big, beautiful buds.

I measured out several Dutches De Nemours stems at 42 in.(107 cm). That is exceptionally tall since the typical Dutches stems average out at 32 inches.

We are excited about this year and the interesting results of an interesting weather pattern. Although the drought seems to have broken — as now we are looking at more typical systems for June — the lasting effects remain.

These results will equal some unique characteristics in our flowers this year.